I was born in the ward I represent; attended Battle School from 1954 to 1966 leaving with one GCE. My first job was as a designer in the studio of one of the town's major employers, Huntley Boorne & Stevens.

Between 1976 and 1982 I lived and worked in Derbyshire where both of my daughters were born. In 1982 we moved back to West Reading where I have continued to live.

Before being made redundant at the age of 50, I was Pre-press Manager for the LINPAC Metal Packaging Group. In 2007 I became Mayor of Reading and took an unpaid year off from the job I was in at the time in order to devote my time to carrying out my duties as Mayor. After my year as Mayor I chose not to go back to my job but start a degree course in Graphic Design at the University of West London.

Both of my daughters attended local schools, Wilson Primary and Meadway Comprehensive. After leaving Meadway they both went to Reading University where they obtained their degrees. My eldest daughter works for Prudential whilst my youngest daughter works as a teacher at one of the town's primary schools.

My wife Dorothy was a Deputy Head Teacher at one of the town's primary schools before taking up the post of Early Years Partnership Project Manager for Reading Borough Council. Her role within the council changed in 2007 when she was appointed Child Care Services Manager. Dorothy is now retired after a career dedicated to educating young people and serving local communities in her role as Child Care Services Manager. I am very proud of my wife.

I have always been a keen sportsman. I have tried my hand at most sports including squash, tennis, hockey and others but mainly played cricket and football for local teams. I was not such a good footballer but I think I was a reasonable local cricketer. Sadly those days are behind me although I still play the odd game of golf but these days I am restricted to supporting Reading FC.

I first started supporting Reading FC when I was 9 but became a lapsed supporter during my mid twenties when love and marriage occupied my life. After the new stadium was built I started supporting my home town team again and have only missed one or two home games since the stadium opened in 1998. On two occasions I have driven back from holiday with my daughter to watch them play at home. My wife thinks we are bonkers!

Reading is important to me, it is where I was born and grew up. I have travelled the country extensively on business and on holiday, I have visited many towns and cities but Reading is the best, it is where I want to live.